Richard Branson's Top Book Recommendations From 2016

It's the holidays, which means it's time to relax and unwind. To Richard Branson, that means sitting down with a favorite book or magazine, a cup of tea and a notebook.

Paul Morigi | Getty Images

Related: Richard Branson: To Be Successful, Take the Stairs

Aside from a dose of relaxation, Branson also believes that reading sparks ideas and teaches leadership lessons. In a recent blog post, "Read to lead," the Virgin Group founder reveals five of his favorite books he read in 2016.

The billionaire entrepreneur recommends Alastair Campbell's Winners and Richard Reed's If I Could Tell You Just One Thing as great resources for inspiration and tips on leadership.

Branson writes that his belief in possessing a "growth" mindset is paralleled in Matthew Syed's Black Box Thinking. Syed's book is great for entrepreneurs, touching upon topics of attitude, failure and behavior, Branson says.

Related: Richard Branson Explains Why Most Entrepreneurs Lack the Right Mindset

If you're looking for a more political read, Branson also recommends his book, Ending the War on Drugs. The book brings together insights from a group of experts who explain drug policy reform and treating drug abuse as a health issue.

Although if you want a light read this winter, John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley -- a book about the author's road trip across the U.S. with his dog, Charley -- is a "subtle guide on how to live" and another top choice from Branson.